Benefits of the Texas Traffic Light Synchronization (TLS) Grant Program II: Volume II. Appendices D-F (3010-1F, Vol. II)

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was the administering agency for the Traffic Light Synchronization (TLS) Program II which was funded with Oil Overcharge funds made available by the Governor's Energy Office. The TLS Program was approved by the United States Department of Energy as part of a package of transportation-related programs with the objective of reducing energy consumption. TLS II resulted in a total of $7.7 million of program funds and local matches being spent for the optimization of traffic signal timing plans and the replacement of outdated signal controller equipment across the state. As stated previously, the program's objective was to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate the flow of traffic, with the goal of achieving more efficient use of energy resources.|With 73 completed projects, the TLS II Program has resulted in benefits that will pay for the cost of the program many times over. These benefits were estimated from the required before and after studies that were submitted by the cities. These studies document the major goals of the TLS II Program -- reductions in fuel consumption and unnecessary delay and stops. All projects were evaluated using the same unit costs. The TLS II Program resulted in 1,348 intersections in 43 cities being improved; the expenditure of $7.7 million of program funds and local matches; and annual reductions in fuel consumption, delay, and stops of 13.5 percent (20.8 million gallons), 29.6 percent (22 million hours), and 11.5 percent (729 million stops), respectively. The total savings to the public in the form of reduced fuel, delay, and stops will be approximately $252 million in the next year alone. In regard to fuel savings, Texas motorists are realizing $2.68 in savings for every dollar spent, and if stops and delay are included, Texas motorists are realizing $32.30 in savings for every dollar spent. These savings will continue for the next few years without additional expenditures; therefore, the benefits to the public will be even greater.|This report is the second of two volumes. The other volume is: Benefits of Texas Traffic Light Synchronization (TLS) Grant Program II: Volume I. Executive Summary and Appendices A - C